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Taco Soup

Taco Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Taco Soup is packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You'll love how quickly it comes together!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
  • 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
  • 15 ounces pinto beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
  • 15 ounces corn (drained, 1 can)
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel, 1 can)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup water
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • sour cream
  • fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • jalapeƱos (sliced)
  • tortilla chips (or strips)
  • lime wedges

Equipment

  • 6 Quart Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. This adds the signature taco flavor to the soup.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the drained black beans, pinto beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. These add flavor and a bit of heat to the soup.
  7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeƱos. Serve with tortilla chips or strips and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Browning the beef: Let the beef develop some color before stirring. This builds deeper flavor and makes a huge difference in the final dish.
  • Broth & thickness: If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or let the soup simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes.
  • Slow cooker & Instant Pot options: This soup is easily adaptable! Slow cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes.
  • Freezing & storing: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Make it your own: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chorizo, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies. The toppings are where the fun happens, so load it up with cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips!